Library

[Background Information]
Book: *Yixue Rumen* (Introduction to Medicine)
Author: Li Su
Dynasty: Ming
Chapter: Historical Medical Surnames (Part 2 of 2)
Category: Medical Discourse

[Original Text Translation]

Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) decoctions are used to clear heat, followed by Longnao (Borneolum Syntheticum) and Chencha (Cinnabar) powder. Dipping a square-inch spoonful of Baishi (Persimmon) into the powder and consuming it results in immediate cure. He treated a case of Sundun Diarrhea (diarrhea with undigested food) lasting for years due to fright and alarm. The public considered it Xixi Li (dysentery with intermittent symptoms), and treatment with bitter-astringent and pungent-drying methods was ineffective. Upon examining his pulse, Gong found it double-wiry and floating. It was not caused by dietary irregularities or fatigue, but rather by Jing Feng (Wind from Fright). Since the Liver governs fright, deficiency wind became excessive, impairing the Spleen and causing diarrhea. One should level the excess of Wood and support the deficiency of Earth; the diarrhea would stop on its own. Thus, he used Huangniu Gan (Ox Liver), combined with formulas that expel wind and strengthen the Spleen. After taking it for over a month, the patient recovered.

He treated a woman suffering from Long Bing (difficulty in urination) with lower abdominal pain. Everyone believed it was Jia Ju (masses/growths). Gong palpated her Shaoyin pulse, which felt like a knife blade cutting the hand. The Baomen (uterus/cervical opening) pulse was hollow and rapid. He knew she had pain in the vagina, with pain binding in the Small Intestine, pus already formed, and swelling pressing upon Yuquan (urethra). She should be unable to urinate or defecate; if she urinates, the pain is severe. Therefore, he used Guolao Gao (Honey) and added Jiangjun (Rhubarb), Xuexie (Dragon's Blood), and Hupo (Amber) to attack the pathogen. The pus discharged through the urine, and she recovered.

He treated a noble guest suffering from San Yang He Bing (combined disease of the three Yang meridians). The pulses were all long and wiry. Because he had recently crossed the sea and was frightened by wind and waves, he vomited about one sheng of blood, accompanied by hypochondriac pain, vexation and thirst, and delirious speech. Coinciding with the annual climate movement, the Left Chi pulse should have been absent, but the physicians thought it indicated Kidney exhaustion. Gong said, "This is Tianhe Mai (Natural Harmony Pulse); do not worry." He then administered Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), reducing the amount of Renshen (Ginseng) and adding Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), giving half a dose. Later, waiting for the Stomach to become full/excess, he used Chengqi Tang (Major/Minor Order the Qi Decoction) to purge, resulting in bowel movements and recovery.

He treated a person with Shanghan (Cold Damage) for over a month. After purgation, the fever did not cease. There was fullness in the hypochondrium and the left side of the lower abdomen, but the muscle color remained unchanged. Quack doctors attributed this to Wind. After forty days, the toxin flowed along Zongjin (confluence of tendons/genitals) into the testicles, becoming red and swollen like a gourd. A surgeon lanced it, but the hypochondriac swelling and pain remained as before. Gong examined the Chi pulse, finding it rapid, clear, and hollow. A rapid pulse appearing at improper times generates malignant sores; encountering a hollow pulse within the Guan position indicates internal abscesses. The swelling at the lateral costal margin indicates an abscess forming. The Classics state: "Abscesses and carbuncles must not delay timing; urgently purge them, do not be late." He gave Yunmu Gao (Mica Paste) made into pills, coated with Ruxiang (Frankincense), and sent down with a decoction of Xiaoshi (Mirabilite) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) [Note: Text says Xiao Huang, likely referring to Mirabilite/Rhubarb contextually or specific preparation]. Five sheng of pus were discharged. The next day, the remaining pus was discharged, and he recovered.

He treated a sick woman. Upon taking her pulse, Gong found the Left Cun Kou (inch position) wiry and hollow, while other positions were harmonious. When the illness manifested, there was pain in the vagina and bleeding. Furthermore, Shaoyin corresponds to transformation at Yuquan. If the Heart loses tranquility, Yuquan responds with heart pain; pain moves blood, but this is unrelated to menstruation. This condition arose from great fright scaring the Spirit, causing blood to stagnate. He prepared a formula to nourish Ying (Nutrient) Qi. He inserted medicine deeply into the hidden areas (vaginally) twice, and after two doses, she recovered.

Zhou Zhen, courtesy name Zigù, pseudonym Yutian Yinzhe (Hermit of Yutian), was from Yizheng. His nature was quick and fond of learning. During the Yuanzhen era, he was recommended for office but declined, instead taking medical books to study. Whenever he encountered strange diseases, his intuition and prescriptions were always effective. He treated a woman whose tongue protruded after childbirth and could not retract. Gong applied Zhusha (Cinnabar) to her tongue, instructed her to simulate the act of childbirth, and had two women support her. He placed a clay pot outside the wall and dropped it to make a sound. Hearing the sound, her tongue retracted. He treated a young girl who craved eating mud, consuming about three bowls of river silt daily. Gong took decayed earth from the wall, mixed it with water for her to drink, and she stopped craving mud.

Huang Zinong was from Jiangxi, contemporary with Hua Shou. During the Zhizhi and Tianli eras, his skills were highly regarded, and he was close friends with Duke Yu Wanjing. He treated the son of a wealthy family, aged eighteen, who suffered from cracking and splitting of muscles throughout his body. Gong dismissed others and questioned the patient, asking, "Did you engage in sexual activity when you were a child?" The patient replied, "I engaged in it around age twelve or thirteen." Gong said, "The ancients said: If one engages in sexual activity before essence is fully developed, the four limbs will have deficiencies, and later difficult-to-describe illnesses will arise. According to the laws, this is incurable." Indeed, foul fluid eventually dripped continuously, and he died from excruciating pain. He treated a wealthy man suffering from chronic diarrhea for years. Gong invited physicians for ten days without effect. Suddenly, one day while reading the *I Ching* (Book of Changes) to the Qian Hexagram ("Heaven's movement is vigorous"), Zhu Xi stated: "The Qi of Heaven rotates without ceasing... like a person playing with a bowl and beads, moving constantly so they fall in mid-air; if there is even a slight pause, they fall." Gong realized that the wealthy man's diarrhea was due to Qi failing to lift, causing prolapse/descending. He immediately moxa-ed the Baihui acupoint. Before thirty or forty moxa cones were burned, the diarrhea stopped.

Zhu Zhenheng, courtesy name Yanxiu, respected by scholars as Master Danxi, was from Wuyi, Wu, at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. He loved learning from childhood, memorizing a thousand characters daily. As he grew older, he studied for civil service examinations under local scholars. Later, hearing that Duke Xu Wenyi possessed the lineage of Zhu Xi's teachings passed down four generations, he entered Huashan to discuss the Dao and paid respects again. He further heard profound and pure theories on morality and destiny, making it his specialty. One day, Duke Wenyi told him, "I have been bedridden for a long time; only a skilled physician can raise me. You are exceptionally intelligent; would you be willing to practice medicine?" Gong’s mother had a Spleen disease, and he had roughly studied medicine. Upon hearing the Duke's words, he readily said, "If a scholar masters one art to extend benevolence to all things, even if he does not serve in government, it is still service." Thus, he abandoned his examination studies and devoted himself entirely to medicine. Works handed down include *Danxi Xinfa* (Core Principles of Danxi), *Riyong Zuanyao* (Essentials for Daily Use), *Gezhi Yulun* (Supplementary Discussions on Investigating Things), *Jufang Fahui* (Elucidation of the Formulary), *Shanghan Biyi* (Clarifications on Cold Damage), *Bencao Yanyi Buyi* (Supplement to the Extended Meaning of Materia Medica), and *Waike Jingyaolun* (Discussions on the Essentials of Surgery). His theory posits six types of Zang-Fu Qi transformation, noting that Dampness, Heat, and Xianghuo (Ministerial Fire) cause the most diseases. There are cases of Yin deficiency with Fire hyperactivity, and dual deficiency of Yin and Yang with self-aggravating Damp-Heat, which require careful consideration in usage. He stated that Li Dongyuan discussed diet and fatigue injuring the Spleen and Stomach, causing Stomach Yang to fail to ascend, and Qi of the Heart and Lungs sinking into the Middle Jiao, treating it with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), which was unprecedented by predecessors. However, Heaven is deficient in the Northwest, and Earth is incomplete in the Southeast. Heaven is Yang; Earth is Yin. People in the Northwest find Yang Qi easy to descend, while people in the Southeast find Yin Fire easy to ascend. If one does not understand this and merely adheres to previous methods, although descending Qi may heal, applying it to ascending Qi might worsen the condition. Thus, he discarded the shortcomings of the theories of Zhang, Liu, and Li, consulted the *Neijing* (Inner Canon), and wrote *Xianghuo Lun* (Discourse on Ministerial Fire).

He treated dysentery where the patient suddenly fainted, eyes rolled up, urine poured out, sweat leaked, and the pulse was chaotic. Gong said, "This is sudden exhaustion of Yang due to Yin deficiency, caused by indulging in alcohol and sex after illness." He moxa-ed Qihai (Sea of Qi). Soon, the hands moved; soon after, the lips moved. He then administered Renshen Gao (Ginseng Paste) three times, and the patient revived. After consuming several jin, he recovered. He treated a woman who lost consciousness. Upon slight recovery, she screamed, yawned repeatedly, and fell unconscious again. The Liver pulse was wiry, rapid, and slippery. Gong said, "This resulted from anger followed by forced drinking." He used a formula to drain phlegm and descend fire, adding Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), dispersing Liver Qi stagnation, and she recovered immediately. He treated a young woman who refused to eat, lying facing north for half a year. The Liver pulse was wiry and extended beyond the Cun Kou. Gong said, "This is missing her husband who has not returned, with Qi knotting in the Spleen. You must provoke her anger. Anger's Qi belongs to Wood, so it can冲 (rush upward) to break the knot." After she became angry and ate, Gong said, "Although the thinking Qi is resolved, joy is needed so it does not knot again." He falsely claimed her husband would return soon, and she recovered. The Master had deep roots in Daoist learning; medicine was just one of his arts. Details are found in Song Tai Shi Lian's epitaph.

Sheng Yin, courtesy name Qidong, was from Wu County, Suzhou, in our dynasty. In his youth, he studied for civil service exams, failed five times, and then attacked the classics of Xuanyuan and Qibo. He studied under Dai Yuanli, receiving the orthodox transmission of Master Danxi, and his treatments for strange diseases were always effective. He started as a regular official in the Medical Bureau, promoted to Imperial Physician in the Taiyiyuan (Imperial Medical Institute), granted the title of "Number One Scholar in Medicine," and is worshipped in the Hall of Famous Officials at the Nanjing Taiyiyuan.

Zhou Fu, courtesy name Shirong, pseudonym Xu'an, was from Wuxi. Initially studying for the Jinshi degree, he covered the major principles of classics and history. Subsequently practicing medicine, he disliked that contemporary physicians limited themselves to the *Jufang* (Formulary of the Bureau), so he investigated texts of Yan, Huang, Qi, Lei, and Yue Ren. He cured eight or nine out of ten patients and did not demand payment.

Liu Pu, courtesy name Yuanbo, was from Wu Commandery. In childhood, he did not like playing; his demeanor differed from ordinary children. As he grew older, he was learned and good at poetry. Often admiring the saying "Do not remove the grass before Lianxi's window," he called himself Caochuang (Grass Window). In medication, he exclusively followed Dongyuan (Li Dongyuan), maintaining his principles without attacking others, and was recommended as an Imperial Physician.

Wang Ji, courtesy name Shengzhi, pseudonym Shishan Jushi, was the son of Wei. He was a county student, failed multiple imperial examinations, and his father ordered him to pursue officialdom. He once said, "If a scholar does not become a Chancellor, his benevolence is not as broad as that of a physician." Thus, he devoted himself to medical books, the *I Ching*, and Nature/Principle studies. His works include *Chongji Maijue Kanwu* (Re-collection and Correction of Errors in Pulse Secrets) in two volumes, *Neijing Buzhu* (Supplementary Annotations to the Inner Canon), and *Bencao Huibian* (Compilation of Materia Medica). He treated a person with central fullness. Using Renshen (Ginseng) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), initially the bloating increased, but later it relaxed. Someone asked about the nature of Ginseng and Atractylodes. He said, "Medicines have no fixed nature. Guided by Blood-invigorating herbs, they follow Blood; guided by Qi-moving herbs, they follow Qi. Assisted by heat, they become hot; assisted by cold, they become cold. It depends on how skillfully one uses them." He treated a thin person with fullness in the left abdomen. Grain Qi偏 (biased) to the right, unable to reach the left. Food intake decreased, stool was stagnant. He used a formula to tonify the Spleen, purge the Liver, harmonize Blood, moisten dryness, relieve fullness, and dissipate stagnation, bringing peace. He treated epilepsy occurring in the morning. Seeing a yellow dog run ahead, the patient would faint and fall, recovering after a long time. Physicians were ineffective. Gong said, "Morning is Yang; dogs are Yang objects; yellow is the color of Earth. The Stomach belongs to Yang Earth. Earth deficiency allows Wood and Fire to invade." The Classics say: "All pulses belong to the eyes." Therefore, when foreign objects affect the eye system, one should solidify the Stomach and purge the Liver so Fire subsides naturally. He used Renshen, Baizhu, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), [missing character likely Chuanxiong], Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), Fuling (Poria), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba). After taking it for over a month, he was stable. He treated a woman who went mad from enduring hunger and overwork. Gong said, "Diseases of the Two Yangs originate in the Heart and Spleen. The Two Yangs are the Stomach and Large Intestine. Enduring hunger and overwork injures the Stomach, stirring Fire, extending to the Heart Spirit, and disturbing the Spleen's intent. How could she not go mad?" He used Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) plus Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) to drink, and she recovered.

Cheng Mingyou, courtesy name Liangji, pseudonym Dangquan, was from She, descendant of Lord Zhuang of Liang. In childhood, he loved reading and contemplating principles, later attacking medicine. He once said, "People know Tonification as Tonification, but do not know Purging as Tonification; they know Purging as Purging, but do not know Tonification as Purging. Yin and Yang alternate in use, Hard and Soft interpenetrate. Thus, Tonifying Blood to benefit Ying requires moving Qi, otherwise Blood congeals; Tonifying Qi to assist Wei requires invigorating Blood, otherwise Qi stagnates. The Spleen is the Central State; Water and Fire interact mutually, thereby generating all things. Truly a subtle argument!"

Chen Jingkui, courtesy name Shudan, pseudonym Douyan, was from Gouqu, descendant of Chen Taiqiu. In childhood, he studied for examinations, studied the *I Ching* under Lu Qiuya, and attended lectures by Zhan Ganquan. Due to his father's illness, he learned medicine, was skilled in acupuncture and moxibustion, and wrote *Wuzhen Ji* (Collection of Five Diagnoses). Appointed as a Good Physician for the Prince's Mansion, he ultimately did not take office, composing poetry and prose to delight his aspirations. He treated someone with no prior illness who suddenly vomited half a sheng of blood. The pulse was wiry and urgent, indicating Bo Jue syndrome, caused by great anger and rebellious Qi, with Yin and Yang rushing together. He took Liuyu Tang (Six Stagnations Decoction) and recovered. He treated a body covered in "puppets" (likely skin lesions/warts) for years without effect, which was Taiyin Wind Evil transforming into insects. He boiled Baibu (Stemonae Radix), Chuanshangzi (Cnidii Fructus), Caowu (Aconiti Radix), and Liannye (Meliae Folium) for bathing. After a month, the whole body looked like vitiligo, and he recovered. He treated a pregnant woman who miscarried. Over ten days later, her abdomen swelled, she had fever, asthma, and a severed pulse. Her face was red, tongue blue, and breath foul. Gong said, "The fetus has not yet expelled." Red face indicates excessive Heart Fire and dried Blood; blue tongue and foul odor indicate exhausted Liver Qi and dead fetus. He used Shedui (Snake Molt) decoction, adjusted Pingwei San (Peaceful Stomach Powder), added Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), and doubled Guowei (Angelicae Sinensis Radix Tail). Within moments, the fetus was expelled, and pain was relieved.

Liu Chun, courtesy name Zongnong, was from Guanzhong. Learned in many books, especially skilled in medicine. His father, Shuyuan, obtained Danxi's profession. Gong succeeded him, compiling *Shanghan Zhili* (Examples of Treating Cold Damage), *Yijing Guoxiao* (Small National Classic of Medicine), and *Yuji Wei Yi* (Subtle Meanings of the Jade Machine).

Wang Lun, courtesy name Ruyan, pseudonym Jiezhai, was from Cixi, Zhejiang. During the Hongzhi era, he served as Administrator of Guangdong. Due to his father's illness, he mastered medicine, writing *Mingyi Zazhuo* (Miscellaneous Notes of Bright Medicine), revealing what Danxi had not expressed, highly respected by later generations. Fang Gu'an reprinted it after *Xinfa*, naming it *Danxi Fuyu* (Supplements to Danxi). He also wrote *Bencao Jiyao* (Essentials of Materia Medica), all widely circulated. His brother, Jing, passed the Jinshi examination and also knew medicine.